Hello, everyone! In celebration of Black History Month, we are celebrating African-American authors and stories that highlight African-American characters! Today's interview is with TAJoseph, who won the Watty Award in 2016 and is part of the Wattpad Creator program.

About the Author: T.A. Joseph is an Afro-Caribbean writer of contemporary and fantasy young adult fiction. Her stories range from atmospheric and romantic to charming and sweet. She won a Watty Award in 2016 in the "New Writers" category on Wattpad and is now also a Wattpad Creator. Other than writing, her favorite hobbies include daydreaming about her latest work-in-progress, creating storyboards on Pinterest for her work-in-progress, and rewatching some of her favorite Studio Ghibli movies and period dramas for inspiration. She dreams of one day being a traditionally published author.

About 'Wicked Ways to Ruin a Boy': Cora Emerson is a magical misfortune who just can't get the hang of being a wicked sorceress. Being wicked would be easy if she couldn't help being good instead. But her eighteenth birthday is fast approaching and if she can't ruin one person's life by then a curse on her family warns she'll lose her powers for good. Just when she thinks she's found the perfect victim, naive and unassuming, the unthinkable happens. She falls for him. Love and magic would be simple if she didn't have a crush on the boy whose life she's meant to ruin. As Cora would say, "For the love of crows."

Other Mythological Stories: T.A. Joseph has also written two other mythological works such as Far from Whimsy and Ivy of Our Hearts. Far from Whimsy is all about: Escaping those who'd kill for Whimsy's throne, Henlow and his sister run away to the human world, hoping for solace. A feat that goes horribly wrong when he falls for the daughter of the man who wants him and his sister dead. Ivy of Our Hearts is all about: Trapped in the woodlands, Ivy's only hope of going home is to escape the faerie who enchants her into loving him, blinding her to what he is—monstrous.

1. What made you start writing on Wattpad? What has been your favorite moment so far on the orange app?

What made me start writing on Wattpad was the sense of community. I also loved that I could reach my audience and interact with them directly. I think my favorite moment so far was when I won a Watty Award, even though it was years ago now. It was the first time I won anything for my writing, and it gave me a confidence boost.

2. Which mythology and/or legends influenced your story? Why did you choose those?

I can't pinpoint any specific myth, but I think the magic in my story is a combination of the stories I enjoyed reading as a kid. I've always loved fantasy. Getting to escape to new worlds in the books I read is always such a joy. I love magic that's whimsical. The kind of magic you can't find in this world because it doesn't exist.

3. Tell us about the main character of one of your stories. What inspired their creation?

My main character Cora Emerson in Wicked Ways to Ruin a Boy was inspired by my younger self. Throughout the story she struggles to be herself and to have courage. She goes back and forth between who she thinks she's supposed to be and who she truly is. I think that's something a lot of us can relate to.

4. What were some challenges you experienced while writing the story?

I wrote the first draft of Wicked Ways to Ruin a Boy during NaNoWriMo in 2015. It had a different title back then. I think what I struggled with most was showing up at my computer every day, but I found it easier to write because it was such a cute and wholesome story.

5. Do you have a song playlist for writing? Can you share one with us?

I do have a playlist for writing called The Romantics. It's filled with some of my favorite music from period dramas. I know it isn't for everyone but it's haunting and darkly romantic. I have another that's more playful, but The Romantics is by far my favorite. Here's the link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6i69tXoezJtnc5wVcpg5r8?si=d8e0aeb53cd84e28

6. What is your favorite myth or legend? Why?

I remember being obsessed with The Phantom of the Opera as a child. I loved the 2004 movie. The mystery, the music, and the love story really captured the storyteller in me. 

7. What is your favorite mythical creature? Why?

My favorite mythical creatures are faeries. I've written about them more than once. I don't know what it is about them I love so much. Perhaps it's their beauty, their charm, and magic that has me so enamored. 

8. If you could have the same powers as a creature and/or deity from mythology or legends, what would it be? Why?

I would definitely say a faerie because they're just so charming and can be kind and generous when they want to be. 

9. What is your advice for other writers who want to use mythology in their stories?

My advice would be to really think about why you love that myth. Do some brainstorming to come up with ways you can turn it on its head and make it work for you. But remember that even though something has been done before it hasn't been done in your style, with your voice. We all have something really unique to bring to the table and that's who we are.

That's it for the month, it was fun getting to know about TAJoseph. You can check her stories featured in our reading list as well as her other works.

Until next time!